Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. yunnanensis
Family: Elaeagnaceae
What it is like
A shrub or small tree. It grows 2-12 m tall. The trunk is 30 cm across. The bark is dark grey and cracked along its length. There are a few spines. The leaves are alternate and grey underneath. They are 3-6 cm long by 1 cm wide. The fruit are yellow and 5-7 mm wide. The seed is flattened.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows on sandy or stony river banks and on the edges of forests between 2,200-3,700 m above sea level. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan in China.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Tibet
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh or used for a drink or for making wine. They provide a sweet and sour taste.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
In Yunnan fruit are available in August to October.
Its other names
Local names
Me long, Xiju